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What Causes Variations In BP Readings When Using Different Arm?
Question: Can RBBB cause a difference in blood pressure across both arms? I check my BP in my left arm and it was 133/80 but my right arm was 116/68? I have RBBB so I'm wondering if that could have something to do with it
Brief Answer:
it has nothing to do with it
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
there are two possible explanations for these measurements.
The first one is unilateral vascular problems (that is narrowing of your arteries in the right arm), which sounds unlikely for a man at your age.
The second one is a 'bad' measurement. Sometimes the blood pressure may be higher in the first measurement and lower in the subsequent ones. Have you checked the blood pressure again in the left arm after measuring 116/68 in the right arm? Also if you've got arrhythmia and you use automated devices, they may detect lower blood pressures sometimes.
So in conclusion, the most likely explanation is a variation in the measurements without real variation. You can take some serial measurements to make sure you've got the correct one. The lowest blood pressure (or the mean value between the last two) is usually the correct blood pressure.
RBBB has nothing to do with this difference.
I hope you find my comments helpful!
You can contact me again, if you'd like any clarification or further information.
Kind Regards!
it has nothing to do with it
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
there are two possible explanations for these measurements.
The first one is unilateral vascular problems (that is narrowing of your arteries in the right arm), which sounds unlikely for a man at your age.
The second one is a 'bad' measurement. Sometimes the blood pressure may be higher in the first measurement and lower in the subsequent ones. Have you checked the blood pressure again in the left arm after measuring 116/68 in the right arm? Also if you've got arrhythmia and you use automated devices, they may detect lower blood pressures sometimes.
So in conclusion, the most likely explanation is a variation in the measurements without real variation. You can take some serial measurements to make sure you've got the correct one. The lowest blood pressure (or the mean value between the last two) is usually the correct blood pressure.
RBBB has nothing to do with this difference.
I hope you find my comments helpful!
You can contact me again, if you'd like any clarification or further information.
Kind Regards!
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
I checked the BP in my left arm with my home monitor and it gave 107/73. The doctors office monitor was also electric so I guess it was a bad reading. Although i do feel that my left arm is warmer than my right, bu im not sure what significance that may havet
Brief Answer:
temperature differences can be important
Detailed Answer:
An extremity with reduced temperature (a cold extremity) can be caused by narrowed arteries (among other causes, like a low environmental temperature!). Serial measurements of your left and right arm would prove whether there is a real difference or not. As you've seen there are variations, which is normal.
Kind Regards!
temperature differences can be important
Detailed Answer:
An extremity with reduced temperature (a cold extremity) can be caused by narrowed arteries (among other causes, like a low environmental temperature!). Serial measurements of your left and right arm would prove whether there is a real difference or not. As you've seen there are variations, which is normal.
Kind Regards!
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
I've measure both arms now several times back to back, and my left is between 104-107 and my right is consistently between 122-124. Weird because my left was the higher one at the doctors.
Should I follow up on this? And if so, how can I check for PAD?
Should I follow up on this? And if so, how can I check for PAD?
Brief Answer:
you'd better let your doctor check it
Detailed Answer:
You should clarify this issue. It's a little strange though, since the opposite was found at your doctors' office. It's better if you let your doctor check it for you. The blood pressure measurement can be influenced by various factors including fast re-measurements! So let the doctor do it.
If you'd like to check it further then starting with an ultrasound scan of the blood vessels of the arm is a good choice. Depending on the results more tests might be needed like a computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging.
Kind Regards!
you'd better let your doctor check it
Detailed Answer:
You should clarify this issue. It's a little strange though, since the opposite was found at your doctors' office. It's better if you let your doctor check it for you. The blood pressure measurement can be influenced by various factors including fast re-measurements! So let the doctor do it.
If you'd like to check it further then starting with an ultrasound scan of the blood vessels of the arm is a good choice. Depending on the results more tests might be needed like a computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging.
Kind Regards!
Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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